The Democrat has already met with Republican legislative leaders in hopes that partisan tensions don't flare up as frequently as they have in recent years. Bullock says he is willing to meet the GOP-led Legislature halfway on core budget and education issues.

But he is also cautioning GOP leaders that proposals he views as partisan or outlandish will be vetoed.

Bullock spent one term as attorney general, where priorities included efforts to crack down on drunken driving and to fight legal attacks on the state's campaign finance laws.